Where to go

Applications must be submitted in person to the Brazillian Federal Police. Not all Federal Police offices provide this services. Generally, you will need to go to the Federal Police located in the international airports of each state’s capital city (note in Rio it is located in the domestic airport). Check the office provides this service before going.

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Common offices include:

• Rio de Janeiro - Santos Dumont Airport

• São Paulo – Departamento de Polícia Federal - Superintendência Regional SP

• Salvador – Aeroporto Internacional Salvador, upper floor

 

When to go

You can request an extension of your your visa in the final 15 days of your 90 day tourist visa. You must extend before your current visa expires.

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What to bring

• Passport

• Application form (Requerimento de prorrogação de estada) *info on how to complete it coming soon

• Payment receipt stamped at a Banco do Brasil

• Photocopy of passport and visa page

• A valid credit card or savings account statement (mine was not checked)

• Proof of onward travel (mine was not checked)

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Tips

I visited two offices – first Rio de Janeiro, and second Salvador. In both cases, nobody in either office spoke a word of English. However, the process in Rio was more confusing and took much longer. First, you hand in your passport to the office, then wait for your name to be called, around 1.5 hours after arriving at opening time. At peak times it can take much longer.

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In Salvador, the process was quick and easy. I handed my passport and papers to the secretary at the entrance. She only took the passport, payment slip, and application form – none of the other papers I had needed when applying in Rio. Within 15 minutes a man came out and returned my passport with the new visa inside. Everyone was very polite, a very different experience to Rio.

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Regardless of which office you go to (but especially in Rio or São Paulo), make sure to wear long pants.